What Does Structural Steel Erection Mean In Construction?

What Does Structural Steel Erection Mean In Construction?

Structural steel erection is the process of constructing, altering, or repairing steel buildings, bridges, and other structures. It involves the assembly, connection, and installation of steel beams, metal decking, and all planking used during the process.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes steel erection as one of the 10 most hazardous occupations in the US and has laid down regulations to promote safety for workers.

The primary structural interface affecting steel erection is how the frame is to be connected to its supports. The number of pieces erected is dependent on the choice of crane and its availability for steel erection rather than other construction activities.

The main advantage of using steel decking at the erection stage is that it can be used as an unpropped permanent formwork when the supporting beams are at not more than 3 m to 3.5 m centres.

The risks and hazards associated with steel structure erection vary at each location depending on the types of materials, sizes of structures, and other working conditions.

OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926) covers regulations for steel erection under Subpart R which includes requirements such as safe lifting and placing of components; structural stability during assembly.

Bracing members and connections; fall protection; scaffolding; ladders; hoisting equipment; rigging equipment; welding operations; fire prevention; personal protective equipment (PPE); training programs for workers engaged in steel erection operations.

How Is Structural Steel Used In Construction?

Structural steel is a popular construction material, often used alongside concrete to create impressive and long-lasting buildings.

It has several advantages over other materials such as wood or stone, including its strength, stiffness, toughness, and ductile properties, which make it suitable for use in high-rise buildings.

Industrial sheds, commercial towers and public buildings, parking garages, and large open spaces which can be easily adapted due to its flexibility.

Structural steel also offers cost-effectiveness due to the availability of ready-made steel sections that can be quickly assembled.

Additionally, structural steel is lightweight making it ideal for building projects where weight savings are important.

However, there are some drawbacks associated with using structural steel in construction such as potential health risks from welding fumes or fire hazards from burning fuel.

What Are The 5 Structural Systems Of Construction?

The five structural systems of construction are (1) wall-bearing, (2) reinforced concrete, (3) structural steel, (4) a combination of these types, and (5) tensile structures.

Wall-bearing is the most common type of structure used in residential buildings, while reinforced concrete framing differs from wall-bearing construction by consisting entirely of freestanding columns braced by horizontal beams at each floor level.

Structural steel is also commonly used for load-bearing walls, but it can be difficult to expand existing structures due to its limited expansion capabilities.

Reinforced concrete has high compressive strength compared to other building materials and is economical when used as a footing or bridge material.

Tensile fabric systems use fabrics such as meshes or cables to carry loads generated only from tension.

What Are The Advantages Of Structural Steel?

Structural steel is a popular choice for building projects due to its many advantages.

These include safety, reduced construction costs, future adaptability, high-quality construction, serviceability and resilience, design flexibility, cost savings, ease of repair and maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.

1. Steel structures are also relatively cheap compared to other building materials, making them an attractive option for those looking to save money.
2. Additionally, structural steel can be easily fabricated and produced massively off-site at shop floors before being assembled on-site, saving time and increasing efficiency.
3. Furthermore, steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio which means it has high strength per unit mass, meaning that no matter how large the overall structure is, the steel sections will remain small and light in weight.
4. This makes it ideal for use in temporary or permanent structures such as reservoirs, oil pipes, gas pipes, etc.
5. Finally, steel provides completely impervious construction, and structures like these may be disassembled by opening a few bolts.